Future-Focused with Christopher Lind

This week is another thought-provoking conversation with Laura Wells, the Founder and CEO of AwakeTeams. In our discussion we delved deep into the realm of soft skills and how they shape the workplace. We tackled some prevailing myths head-on: the notion that people's brains and capabilities are static and that soft skills can't be quantified or improved upon. Surprise, surprise – we busted those myths wide open! Our conversation also ventured into the symbiotic relationship between trust, communication, and collaboration. Plus, we touched on the fascinating interplay between interpersonal skills and the rise of artificial intelligence in the workplace. To get the full spectrum of insights and the essence of our discussion, I invite you to watch the complete video. Join us and uncover the transformative power of evolving human connections in today's professional world. Read my top takeaways and reflections on this episode here: https://open.substack.com/pub/christopherlind/p/busting-soft-skills-myths **** Show Notes **** 0:00 - Introduction 2:07 - From Consumer Packaging to Brain Science 7:21 - Demystifying Neuroplasticity 12:54 - Transforming Soft Skills Training 21:55 - New Learnings in Neuroscience 32:52 - The Challenge of Behavior Change 44:24 - The Connection to Employee Engagement 54:47 - Overcoming Non-Believers

This week was an electrifying chat with Raj Jha, a true trailblazer in the XR/AI Simulation space. We dove deep into the transformative power of immersive tech, the future of experiential learning, and the incredible potential of generative AI. Remember when we used to debate desktop vs. mobile? Well, the game has changed, and we discussed some of the mind-bending insights on how to use the latest in tech to leapfrog analog methods. But here's the thing: while we touched on the tech, it was the human element, the real-world challenges, and the potential for global impact that truly stood out. From teacher shortages to the quest for equity and access in education, we explored it all. And let me tell you, the future is brighter than you might think! Curious about how AI might just be your new digital coach? Or how we can bridge the gap between traditional and immersive experiences? Well, you'll have to dive into the full video for those golden nuggets. Trust me, it's a conversation you won't want to miss. So, let's keep pushing the boundaries and reimagining the future of together! Read my top takeaways and reflections on this episode here: https://christopherlind.substack.com/p/unlocking-the-future-of-experience **** Show Notes **** 0:00 - Introduction 1:46 - From Automotive Simulations to Human Experience 19:54 - The Effectiveness of Digital Simulation 31:43 - The Adoption of Immersive Tech 39:43 - The Intersection of AI & Immersive Tech 45:10 - Addressing the Talent Shortage 56:36 - Reskilling for Simulation

It's hard to believe it's been four years since the inception of Learning Tech Talks. To recognize the milestone, this conversation is a reflection on the transformative journey our world has been on over the past four years. I delve into significant macro trends, the intriguing intersection of our digital advancements with the essence of human connection, and the pivotal role of personalization in today's tech landscape. As we continue navigating the complexities of an AI-driven world, it's becoming increasingly clear the importance of maintaining human touchpoints. I also highlight a number of key opportunities and offer insights into how to harness the power of technology while staying grounded in our human-centric values. So, if you aim to stay ahead of the curve and ensure relevance in the future, this discussion provides valuable perspectives. Join me as we explore, learn, and chart the path forward. ****Show notes**** 0:00 - Introduction 2:02 - The Continued Evolution of LTT 6:09 - Help Needed 7:24 - Macro Trends 18:02 - Macro Opportunities 31:31 - Skills 35:26 - Operational Excellence 39:24 - Virtual Experiences 47:07 - Adaptive Learning 54:36 - Learning in the Flow of Work 1:00:00 - Improvements to Content Creation 1:07:00 - Improving Accessibility 1:13:00 - Data Visualization & Measurement 1:18:47 - Conclusion

Is it possible for technology to make us fundamentally better at the things that make us uniquely human? It's a bit of a paradox but the potential of what's possible and what's already happening today will blow your mind. In this Learning Tech Talks I'm chatting with Sophie Thompson, one of the brilliant minds behind VirtualSpeech, and let me tell you, it was enlightening. Her founder story sets the stage for why overcoming one of the most paralyzing human skills is so meaningful to her. In our discussion, we delved deep into how the fusion of AI and VR is shifting many paradigms in the ways we approach soft skill development. Ever wondered how the virtual world stacks up against real-world interactions, especially when it comes to diverse personalities? Much closer than you realize, and we unpack why. But what really caught my attention was an unexpected bonus of integrating AI into language learning - Sophie shared some remarkable insights that I believe are going to be game-changers for the continued globalization of everything we do. The more we spoke, the clearer it became that the horizon of skill development is vast and incredibly promising. Curious about what the future holds? Jump into this conversation with us. The future of learning? It's unfolding right here. ****Show Notes**** 0:00 - Introduction 1:55 - Overcoming Social Anxiety with Tech 11:22 - Building Confidence with Soft Skills 21:04 - Using VR Right 33:41 - The Impact of Generative AI 41:57 - The Advancement of Active Learning 54:07 - Making Accessibility Accessible

In week is a dynamic conversation with Jeremy Berman, the Co-Founder and CEO of Dream See Do, a company that's really challenging the norms in talent development and learning platforms. We regularly talk about the need to shift our mindset from using technology as a tool to recognizing its power to transform the human experience. When it comes to corporate learning, it's about moving from 2D to 3D in the way we approach learning experiences. At the core is a long-standing concept rooted in the art of growing and nurturing—whether it's a plant in a pot or a human in an organization. However, many struggle to grasp what getting it right means in the technological age. In the conversation, we didn't shy away from discussing in detail how technology and AI features can actually enhance human connection, not replace it. We unpack the beautiful synergy that comes from blending human intuition with technology. We also delve into why this is all so important for entrepreneurs, leaders, and really, anyone who wants to transform their business. After all, talent strategy is business strategy. So if you're curious about how to genuinely enrich human interactions through technology and take your talent development from 2D to 3D, you've got to check out this episode. I guarantee it will leave you with some serious food for thought. Look forward to having you join the conversation. Until then, keep challenging the status quo! ****Show Notes**** 0:00 - Introduction 1:44 - From Camp Counselor to Music Producer 13:04 - Foray into Transforming Learning Experiences 24:23 - Skill Development Lifecycle | from Idea to Execution 35:04 - Moving from 2D to 3D 42:49 - Change Requires more than Technology 49:40 - The Challenge of Being Ahead of the Curve 54:55 - AI Done Right

Is containment the only path to avoid AI completely destroying humanity? Is containment even possible? If so, what does this look like and how do we get there? This week, I'm responding to another thought-provoking dialogue from a recent Diary of a CEO between Steven Bartlett and Mustafa Suleyman. Having help co-found Google's DeepMind program, Mustafa has no shortage of experience and insight into the AI conversation. His perspective on the need to contain and the way we go about it was intriguing. It was interesting reflecting on his positions and identifying where we aligned and where we diverged. In this video, I respond to a lot of his seemingly Ecclesiastical perspective on embracing the wonder and terror that AI brings and the inevitability of both. I'd also highly encourage you to stick around until the end where I unpack Mustafa's recommendation his future children. While there was tremendous wisdom in it, it was incomplete. So, if you're trying to make sense of all that's happening in the world of AI but are interested in seeing it through a non-traditional set of eyes, check it out. And, if you found this video beneficial, check out more of my content and be sure to subscribe as I continue living life at the intersection of business, technology, and the human experience. You can check out Steven's original DOAC conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTxnLsYHWuI

This week I'm back with an episode that's going to rock your world in terms of skill development and assessment. I sat down with Kian Katanforoosh, the Founder & CEO of Workera, and they are pioneering the future of how we understand, measure, and cultivate skills, all turbo-charged by AI. Now, if you're still living in the dark ages of skill assessment—think multiple-choice tests and outdated metrics—you need to tune in. Kian and I dive deep into what he calls 'signature domains,' these incredibly well-calibrated assessments that provide a multi-faceted view into skill levels. Forget what you think you know about quizzes; we're talking about revolutionary changes that have been validated by psychometricians and backed by data. But hold on, because it gets better. We're not just talking about testing for the sake of testing. This is about aligning skill development with your business objectives. If you've been wrestling with how to shift from being just a content provider to a strategic partner in your organization, this episode is your roadmap. What about AI? Yep, we're going there too. Sometimes the talk around AI gets a little, let's say, dystopian, but we're keeping it real. We shed light on how to involve AI in your processes without losing the essential human touch. I've got to tell you; we had so much to talk about that we barely scratched the surface. We were flooded with questions and topics, and we couldn't even get to all of them in the time we had. That's how rich this conversation was. So consider this a 'to be continued...' because Kian will be back for another round to tackle what we didn't get to cover this time. So, are you curious yet? You should be. Make sure to subscribe, and don't forget to hit that notification bell. Trust me, you won't want to miss what we have coming up. ***** Show Notes ***** 0:00 - Introduction 4:27 - The Myth Of Measurement 10:42 - Deconstructing Skills 20:04 - Durable vs. Perishable Skills 29:22 - Reconstructing Skills (Demo) 40:29 - Assessing Skills 49:08 - The User Experience

This week I had an enriching conversation with JD Dillon, Chief Learning Officer at Axonify where we unpacked the complexity of how AI is revolutionizing the workspace, specifically for frontline workers. We often hear about how AI is the future of business, but JD and I dive into why it's not merely a technological shift—it's a human one. For managers, HR professionals, and frontline employees alike, this discussion is filled with insights that will fundamentally alter how you think about AI in the workplace. Have you reflected on how AI could make work more satisfying? We delve into some of the unlikely opportunities AI presents, like building a career ladder in the least expected roles. We highlight the necessity for adaptability and the benefits it brings to the workforce, opening up new avenues for job satisfaction and career growth. Throughout our discussion, we mention buzzwords like 'upskilling', 'cross-skilling', and 'adaptive learning'. Rest assured, we don't just throw the terms around but delve into how these concepts can be integrated into a robust frontline talent strategy for a transformative impact. So go ahead, click that play button and let's delve into this compelling topic. If you find this conversation valuable, please give us a like and don't forget to subscribe for more thought-provoking content. ***** Show Notes ***** 0:00 - Introduction 5:25 - Response to the AI Hype Cycle 13:25 - Involving Front-Liners in the Change 18:25 - What's Changing; What's the Same 36:22 - How AI Is Improving the Experience 48:43 - Transforming the Cashier Job 54:20 - Call to Executive Leadership

Are successful people dealt a better hand than others, or is available to everyone? When it comes to success, who gets to define it, and what does its successful pursuit look like? This week, I'm responding to another powerful conversation between Steven Bartlett and Bozoma Saint John on The Diary of a CEO. I so appreciated how Bozoma brought an unprecedented level of vulnerability throughout this conversation, where she shared both the wins and losses of her career journey. Her harrowing path would have left many giving up and achieving far less than she has. In the video, I respond to and unpack some of the key themes like that it looks like to overcome adversity, how to build a successful career, demystify work/life harmony, and where we should look to find direction for the right path. You'll want to stick around until the end where I challenge a consistent theme that may lead you down a road you won't realize is a wrong turn until it's too late. So, whether you're early, mid, or late career, there's something in here for everyone. And, if you found this video beneficial, check out more of my content and be sure to subscribe as I continue living life at the intersection of business, technology, and the human experience. Source "The Diary of A CEO" episode is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuVTVOdkmek ***** Chapters ***** 0:00 - Introduction 3:17 - Four Key Themes 7:35 - Being a Rising Phoenix 13:55 - Risks of Being a Chameleon 20:12 - Leadership Isn't a Title 24:51 - The Paradox of Control 35:28 - Radical Independence 40:58 - Every Voice Matters 49:17 - The Collateral Damage of Pain 55:41 - What Opportunities Are You Overlooking? 1:01:05 - Becoming A Parent as a Professional 1:09:49 - Empathizing with Others 1:15:04 - Happiness Comes from Within?! 1:21:47 - Learn from Others; Don't Copy Them

This week on I sat down with Jessie Pagliari, the genius behind Every Day Bliss Co., to delve into something that's been on my mind a lot lately—workplace wellness. While the buzz around this topic is often louder than a rock concert, how many of us are really digging in? Jessie and I took the gloves off and got real about what this means for you, your teams, and even your bottom line. In this spirited chat, we first dive into the pitfalls of a one-size-fits-all approach to wellness programs. Trust me, the idea that "if you build it, they will come" doesn't hold water and you'll want to hear why. We also tackle the skepticism conundrum and delve into the million-dollar question—whose responsibility is workplace wellness anyway? So, if you've ever wondered if wellness is just a corporate fad or something truly transformative, buckle up. This conversation is for you. We're 55 minutes deep and didn't even scratch the surface of everything we wanted to tackle. Smash that 'play' button. Let's go on this journey together and disrupt the status quo of workplace wellness. And hey, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe. We've got a ton more conversations coming your way that you won't want to miss. See you on the other side! ***** Show Notes ***** 0:00 - Introduction 3:27 - The Impact of Wellness 13:30 - Where to Start 25:28 - Intentionally Making Space to Destress 39:58 - The Financial Cost of Ignoring the Problem 47:19 - Personalizing Your Wellness Strategy